THE police and West Dunbartonshire Council have urged parents to be calm amid claims of strangers approaching two pupils from a Dumbarton primary school.

Cops are investigating two separate incidents - which they insist are not linked - involving a seven-year-old boy and a nine-year-old boy who both attend Knoxland Primary.

The first occurred on Castlegreen Street on Friday morning as the nine-year-old was walking to school. A man in a car reportedly made an inappropriate comment to the boy and the youngster later reported the incident.

On Monday, it is alleged that a man wearing a black hoodie spoke to a seven-year-old boy at the school gates at 3pm and said, "come with me".

The issue was raised at Wednesday's full council meeting where concerned parents sat in the public gallery.

Councillors agreed to call on the police to provide additional security advice to all schools in the area and review safety procedures and the issuing of information to parents.

The council and police issued the following joint statement yesterday:

“West Dunbartonshire Council and Strathclyde Police are urging the community to remain calm in light of the alleged incidents at Knoxland Primary School.

"These alleged incidents currently centre around two pupils who have reported that individuals have approached and spoken to them in the street. Police are currently investigating these reports further and until those enquiries are concluded any other comments or information is simply speculation.

“The police are not linking these incidents at present and indeed the descriptions of the individuals involved differ significantly. At no stage has it been reported that there has been any attempt to lay hands on these children.

“In many cases like this there are rational explanations for what has taken place. It is important that members of the community stay alert to ensure the safety of their children but do not overly frighten their children.

“Given the circumstances there is no evidence to suggest that pupils at other schools are at an increased risk of harm. Parents should always provide their children with advice about not going with strangers and there is no requirement to go beyond that at this stage.

“If children/ parents or members of the community have any concerns about any individuals they see hanging around schools then they should err on the side of caution and report the matter to the police.

“In light of the significant interest these alleged incidents have aroused the council will be writing to all parents in West Dunbartonshire to update them on the situation. The message is clear though, at this time there is nothing to suggest that pupils across West Dunbartonshire are currently at greater risk than normal."